Christmas spirit abounds with festival planners

Less than 60 sleeps from now, Santa Claus will make his annual arrival in Sylvan Lake during the evening lighted parade and then at the second annual Spirit of Sylvan Yuletide Festival and Farmers’ Market, Nov. 29 and 30.

Committee members have been working diligently to make this year’s festival even more entertaining and exciting that the inaugural event. As well, proceeds will benefit Sylvan Lake’s Urgent Care initiative. Last year over $12,000 was donated to the worthy cause.

One of the highlights for youngsters last year was Skate with Mascots at the arena. The committee is looking to build on the success by making an early plea to all business owners who have mascots to contact the committee and let us know who’s available to attend. The skate takes place Saturday afternoon (Nov. 30) from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Contact Steve Dills at 403-887-2331.

Another highlight last year was the tremendous participation of businesses, said chairperson Graham Parsons. “Thanks to their sponsorship this will be a free event for families of Sylvan Lake and area.”

While the sales committee has been busy contacting businesses, if they’ve missed you it’s not too late to get involved in this community event.

Examples of opportunities include decorating a Christmas tree or donating a large item for a live auction; decorating wreaths of mini trees or providing silent auction items, contributing raffle items, sponsoring individual events such as the Kids’ Zone, entertainment, decorations, hot chocolate or something else; providing monetary donations and, of course, attending and bidding for the live and silent auction items. Contact Graham Parsons (403-887-2575) or Debbie Thomas (403-887-7360) to learn more.

Kelly Edgecombe is heading up the Gingerbread House competition and is looking for more teams to participate. She anticipates Sir Lancelot Signs will be back to defend their title. New this year, she said, is a $200 prize for the winning team. The top three entries will be auctioned with proceeds going to the town’s Urgent Care Fund while remaining entries will be used as door prizes.

There’s a limited number of spots available so if you’re interested get in touch with Kelly Edgecombe at boyk@shaw.ca or 403-887-6298.

Entertainment throughout the event will include the Sacred Mass Choir, choirs from various schools and other musicians and entertainers.

Hockey games will be taking place in the arena Friday evening with the Sylvan Lake Peewee AA Lakers hosting Red Deer at 6:15 p.m. and the bantams playing after that game. A novice tournament is planned for Saturday morning. Sylvan Lake Skating Club will be performing about noon Saturday and then there’s the Skate with Mascots.

To keep up with the fast-moving planning for this exciting event ‘like’ the Facebook page.

More volunteers are always needed for a variety of tasks. To get involved, contact Graham Parsons (403-887-2575) or Debbie Thomas (403-887-7360).

All proceeds raised through the festival will support the town’s Urgent Care initiative.